Okay operators, gear up! Siege X (Operation Daybreak, Second Season of Year 10) is just around the corner! Based on test server peeks (sorry PC got the early access, console updates are planned!), patch notes, and the full Year 10 roadmap, this comprehensive guide dives into what’s coming for Team Rainbow. The big question: Is this major update for Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege going to be “gas” or “complete a..”, errr, “booty”? Let’s see if the hype is real for this “new era” setting up the “next 10 years,” bringing significant changes and major features to the core game.
Release Date?
Mark your calendars, operators! The full release date for Siege X is set for June 10th, 2025. Get ready to jump in and experience the changes firsthand.
Welcome Mat: New Player Focus & Progressive Rewards
Ubisoft is rolling out the red carpet for newcomers in Siege X, with Ubisoft announcing a focus on easing players into the game and growing the Team Rainbow community. Expect new tutorials designed to teach the ropes, alongside a revamped progression system that’s way more rewarding for everyone, including veteran players. Siege X also introduces a Free Access model, allowing new players to download the game and play Quick Match, Unranked, Deathmatch, and events without purchasing the full game. This onboarding focuses on introducing foundational gameplay elements and helping players understand operator unique abilities.
Rewarding Levels: A new leveling system offers cool rewards as players climb the ranks. Every few levels, players can snag Renown, Alpha Packs, and specific Operators like Iana, Kaid, Finka, and Thorn, which are earnable just by playing and leveling up, unlocking at specific milestones (like Iana around level 8, Kaid around 14, Finka at 16, and Thorn at 18). This system helps new players unlock their first few key operators, acting almost like getting a new operator unlock as a reward. Plus, a shiny Alpha Pack is awarded every 10 levels! Specific level-up rewards are granted up to level 50, with Renown and Alpha Packs continuing after that. Siege X also adds Clearance-Level cosmetic badges at CL 20 (“Unranked Winner”), CL 30 (“Alpha Collector”), and CL 50 (“Ranked Winner”).
Veteran Perks: High-level players (already past level 50) won’t receive these new leveling rewards retroactively; everyone starts earning the new reward track from level 50 onward equally. However, veteran players will also receive special veteran rewards to celebrate their time in Six Siege. The leveling system itself is also being restructured with a new XP curve to make progression faster at higher tiers.
Operator Price Decrease: Prices for several operators are being decreased, making them more accessible for new players.
Playlist Unlocks: There’s a bit of a shake-up in how playlists unlock. Quick Match might be accessible around level 2 or 3, Deathmatch around level 7, and Unranked (huge dub! it’s back and replaces the Standard Playlist!) at level 20 (a change, as it used to be available immediately). The “Enlisted” (vs AI) and “Field Training” (customizable AI for returning players) playlists are available under Free Access and help players practice crucial gameplay elements.
Arcade Removal: The general “Arcade” playlist is being permanently removed to make way for improved and more creative temporary arcade modes that will be available seasonally.
Ranked Access: Here’s a big one – Ranked mode and Siege Cup remain locked behind the premium (paid) version of Siege X; Free-to-play accounts cannot play these modes unless they purchase the full game. This adds a clear layer of distinction for paid players. Note that access requires meeting the standard level gate (traditionally CL 50 ) and owning the full game. The Ranked map pool is also a key consideration here.
Cosmetic Goodies & Visual Flair for the New Season
Get ready for some fresh looks and a peek into the cosmetic future!
Bravo Pack Previews: This season is notable for being the first time Ubisoft revealed a preview of what’s coming to Bravo Packs. Expect appealing cosmetics, including some cool headgears like Nøkk’s “Mop” and a Maestro design, adding new weapon attachment and customization options.
Black Ice Expansion: The legendary Operation Black Ice skin is already in the Bravo Pack pool and continues to be available, including for shields! Black Ice shield skins for Monty, Blitz, and even the G52 Tactical Shield (Rook, etc.) can be found there. This classic cosmetic remains a sought-after weapon attachment skin.
Seasonal Camo: Siege X features a new “Daybreak” seasonal camo, along with headgear and uniform skins. Notably, the patch notes do not mention a weapon skin for this seasonal camo, which might be a change from previous seasons.
First-Person Inspect: The ability to inspect weapon skins and even operator shields in first person view was seen on the test server – a small but visually appealing detail confirmed as a requested feature that enhances gameplay elements.
Siege Sounds: The New Audio Experience in Siege X
The audio system is undergoing a major overhaul, making Siege X sound intensely different. It’s described as being much bassier and more intense, creating a darker, more muffled atmosphere, and aiming for precision and immersion for clearer sound cues. This overhaul significantly impacts key audio cues and awareness around objective sites.
Environmental Realism: Shots and footsteps now seem to travel through surfaces like floors and walls in a more realistic, muffled way. This potentially allows for more precise directional hearing, which could be a significant upgrade. Certain footstep sounds (like squeaks on wood) might also be more noticeable or new.
Inconsistency & Adjustment: Despite moments of sounding “very, very crisp and very nice,” the audio can also feel “completely absurd and ridiculous” at times. Inconsistency seems varied, with some repels being loud while others might go unheard depending on the map or situation. These inconsistencies are likely bugs that the developers will need to address, potentially over time rather than immediately at launch. It’s a big adjustment, so players should probably be prepared for a period of confusion and potentially mishearing things for the first week or two while getting used to it. Tinnitus effects in the audio are also being adjusted.
Operator Dialogue: A brand new audio feature brings personality to operators with dialogue in matches. Players will hear lines triggered naturally at the beginning of rounds, short exchanges, reactions, and moments of tension between characters, adding personality, context, and drama. More variations will roll out organically over time. This new feature is being referred to as Operator Banter and enhances the immersion of Team Rainbow. A new communication wheel might also be part of broader improvements, though not explicitly detailed.
Performance & Anti-Cheat Insights
Performance Boosts: Reports suggest performance is significantly better in Siege X, with numerous players claiming significant FPS increases (50 to 100+). The game generally feels like it’s running more smoothly, partly thanks to the UI rebuild and destruction physics improvements saving memory and cleaning up visual processing.
ShieldGuard Anti-Cheat: A massive focus for this new era is the expanded R6 ShieldGuard anti-cheat, now a fully dynamic system introduced in Y10S1 and significantly enhanced here. ShieldGuard can push live security updates mid-season without downtime (requiring players to periodically reboot the game), instantly combating active cheats and forcing cheat makers to constantly adapt. It also introduces new “gameplay violations” detection for live bans, aiming to drastically reduce cheat availability for shorter windows of time. Developers are optimistic about its effectiveness, with future efforts including AI detection and cheater match cancellation.
Modernized Maps & Destructible Delights in Siege X
Visual redesigns are bringing new lighting and a “modernized” look to existing maps, aiming to recapture that classic Six Siege feel with improved detail and materials, impacting strategy and map control.
Destructible Ingredients: A cool addition comes in the form of “destructible ingredients” like fire extinguishers, gas pipes, and metal detectors around objective sites. Damaging these pipes causes them to emit flame (damaging players), then explode (potentially lethal), before leaving a Capitão-style fire effect. Shooting these elements can create smoke or visual obstruction, dynamically changing gunfights. Kapkan traps can even detonate a gas pipe if an enemy operator crosses for an instant kill.
Limited Rollout (Season 2): The main drawback at launch is that exactly five Ranked map pool maps feature these modernizations. While the updated maps look great, the limited number feels a bit thin. Ubisoft states the plan is to continue modernizing three additional maps each season thereafter, estimating about 2 years to complete the graphical overhaul for the competitive pool. A new Discovery playlist will showcase these graphically improved maps.
Minor Map Details: Test server gameplay included exploring minor map details like potential blocking placements on barrels (e.g., Club House) to prevent cheesy camera spots (like for Maestro) and making a “pain in the ass” vault spot on Border easily accessible. Observing first person shadows also provides tactical information.
Operator Revisions & Balancing for Operation Daybreak
While the core gameplay loop remains familiar, there are some specific operator tweaks confirmed for Season 2. Balancing updates are officially “back on the menu” for Siege X, following a period of stable data collection in Year 10 First Season (Prep Phase). These updates target operator unique abilities and overall balance.
Clash Rework (She’s Fun Now!): A major remaster! Clash returns with a complete gadget overhaul with her new CCE Shield MK2. This shield can now anchor on the ground and remotely taser enemies. While carrying it, she has full vision and movement. She loses her deployable shield in her loadout in exchange for this new functionality. She is a one-speed operator. The stun from her shield no longer deals damage due to the electricity update, focusing purely on crowd control (slowing, making noise). She gains the Freeloop feature for better situational awareness. As a quirky bonus, she now has hair again, a visual update that reportedly required significant technical effort due to her model initially being hardcoded to be bald! While she feels much more fun and less like a “walking pillar of uselessness,” the increased mobility combined with her slowing can make her very annoying to face if a player keeps her shield up constantly. When her shield is deployed (anchored), it acts like a standard deployable shield, vulnerable to explosives and melee bashes. A new trick is remote activation of her taser on it. This rework aims to finally make Clash viable, feeling like a new enemy operator to face.
Electrical Damage Changes: Electrical damage to players is entirely removed; instead, it applies a slow and causes the player character to yell out, making noise (unless vaulting through or placing a gadget on an electrified surface, where you will be shocked). Surprisingly, players can rub against electrified walls with no effect. Barbed wire will still deal damage, but this now comes purely from the physical damage of moving through the wire, not the electricity itself. One operator who benefits here is Maverick, who can now create inverted horizontal cuts on reinforced walls without being affected by electricity, making formerly dangerous cuts safer. Gadget damage from electricity, however, has been expanded – it will now affect and destroy any electronic gadget (friendly or enemy operator), which some players find a step back or annoying, as Kaid and Bandit players need to be more vigilant near objective sites. Notably, Mirror’s Black Mirror gadgets will not be destroyed when placed on electrified walls.
Quick Entry Mechanic: Any operator can now perform a “quick entry” on a window. This requires the barricade to be removed first. Operators who can remove a barricade in one quick action benefit most, like Sledge (hammer swing), Ram (lobbing robots through), or using a Gon-6. For defenders in the new 6v6 mode where they can repel, using impact grenades works too. This allows for extremely quick entries into the building and introduces new gameplay elements.
Shield Operator Vaulting: A significant change affects shield operators like Monty, Blitz, and Fuse, and also impacts Blackbeard and Clash’s gun: aiming down sights will now be cancelled during the vault animation through windows. Players are forced out of ADS during the vault, requiring them to re-aim after landing, adding significant vulnerability to a tactic previously used for quick kills. This is generally seen as a balance improvement to bring down their lethality and adjust gameplay elements involving shields.
Blackbeard Tweak: Blackbeard’s shield glass is now tinted, a helpful quality-of-life change so players can better see when it’s up. The sound effects of the glass panel moving up and down have also been enhanced to provide more clarity on his shield state. These changes are described as potentially just the start of further adjustments for Blackbeard. Some players still feel he remains quite strong. The new, stronger Clash could potentially be a counter, but only if she isn’t banned.
Jackal changes: Jackal’s tracking has been rebalanced. He now has 5 scans (up from 3), but each scan only pings once and footprints are removed immediately after scan. (Old footprints also last shorter now, 90s instead of 120s). This feels like spending too much time scanning the ground, leaving him vulnerable with a payoff that some feel isn’t worth it compared to other Intel gatherers like Damos, who performs a similar role but is arguably much better. It feels like an unnecessary nerf to an operator who wasn’t arguably top-tier already. Some suggest players might be better off just following the footprints rather than scanning. This makes Jackal’s tracking less oppressive overall, particularly frustrating for the tracked enemy operator. His gadget, the Eyenox Model III (Glance Smart Glasses or simply smart glasses), still plays a key role in this process.
Thunderbird change: Thunderbird’s Kona Stations will no longer heal enemy operator players (unless Hijackable by Brava’s drone). While a nice buff, preventing opponents from abusing her gadget, some players still feel Doc provides more versatile healing (direct remote stims vs. needing to reach a station, potentially slower healing rate from Konas), plus has a potentially stronger gun (MP5 ACOG vs. Spear 1x) and fewer direct counters (Twitch, Brava) compared to Konas. She still cannot pick up stations hijacked by Brava.
Ela & Zofia Nerf: Concussion mine impact radius is being significantly reduced from 7 meters down to 4 meters for both operators. This makes the gadgets harder to hide and less impactful over large areas. These are changes to operator unique abilities.
Subtle Buffs: Minor buffs include Jager’s active defense system (ADS) catching Gridlock traps and Capitão bolts. While a slight boost for Jager, it impacts lower-tier operators and won’t likely affect the majority of rounds. A potentially controversial point is that when Jager’s ADS destroys a Capitão bolt, it prevents the fire or smoke effect entirely, unlike Wamai’s gadget which captures it and still allows the effect – some players prefer the complexity of the Wamai interaction. Sledge can use his hammer to knock down a shield user on their ass (like Clash) if they decide to challenge him. Limb shots will now deal less damage overall, varying by weapon caliber, rewarding those with high mechanical skill who aim for the body or head.
Economy Updates
With the game’s move towards being free-to-play, several economy changes are being implemented to adjust gameplay elements related to progression.
Resource Distribution: Resource distribution has been modified to make earnings more equal across different playlists.
Progression Adjustments: Adjustments have been made so players can make a good amount of daily progress earlier in their play sessions. While there’s a new daily Renown challenge and Renown reward at clearance level up, the end-of-match Renown reward is being reduced.
Battle Pass & XP: Battle Pass points gained from challenges and rewards are increased (to 1,000 from 850), but end-of-match Battle Pass points are now time-based with a slightly lower payout. XP gain for clearance levels is also being adjusted, and Alpha Pack progression is slightly adjusted per playlist to ensure progression is balanced per match/hour played (favoring longer matches like Ranked).
Other System Updates & Quality of Life in Operation Daybreak
Claymore Lasers: The appearance of claymore lasers is changing. Friendly lasers appear white with team color shading, while enemy operator lasers have more prominent team color. This change aims to make them more visible, potentially aiding players with color blindness, but some find the new harsh lines look like “plastic rods.” Consistency in friendly team color visibility (especially in sunlight) seems to be a potential bug, and many feel there’s a significant need for many more team color options beyond the current three.
Operator Outlines: Replacing the current “rim lighting” glow, Siege X introduces team color outlines for operators. Friendlies will always be outlined, while enemies get an outline of the selected enemy team color. This can make enemies significantly easier to spot, especially when pixel peeking or looking through punch holes, impacting map control and target acquisition. While intended to help with color blindness (as rim lighting could hide players against similar colored backgrounds), some color blind players have reported finding the outlines harder to see than rim lighting, while non-color blind players report a clear advantage. Again, the call for way more team color options is strong to ensure players can pick colors that work best for them.
Core Movement: Movement will now carry momentum, and advanced repel improvements will allow sprinting and turning corners, adding a nice quality to the game. These are significant gameplay elements affecting every operator.
UI Rebuild: The entire UI has been rebuilt to be faster, cleaner, and visually aligned with the new Siege X look. The hub system is dynamic and modular, allowing for seasonal customization and showing relevant information. The loadout menu UI is also visually changed (no loadout changes), impacting how players select their weapon attachment and gear.
Battle Pass Redesign: The battle pass navigation system has been redesigned to be more intuitive, with a map-like progression menu that can be panned and zoomed, letting players focus on the reward paths they want. New challenges are introduced to support player goals across progression, onboarding, and competition, impacting how players engage with gameplay elements.
Career Tab Updates: The career stats tracker and personal performance menu will be fully integrated into the career tab. Players can identify strengths and track performance with stats like win rate, survival rate, objective play rate, and the KOST stat (Kill, Objective, Survive, Trade), with filters by season to see evolution over time.
Anti-Toxicity Efforts: Developers report a sharp decline in toxic players this year, with efforts to improve communication and refine responses to disruptive players. The new reputation system is fully activated, bringing tiered consequences for those who aren’t playing nice (think automatic suspensions and potential permanent bans for repeated bad behavior) and rewarding positive conduct. Automated text moderation and privacy settings improvements are coming. Nicknames will be automatically generated for each game (huge for streamers!), and abandoned penalties are being reworked. More detailed in-game reports and better visibility on report outcomes are being added, aiming to improve the experience for Team Rainbow members. Features like cheater match cancellation are also part of this effort.
Player Shadows: Observationally, first person shadows and player shadows have sometimes appeared detached from the operator model on the test server – a potential visual bug.
Spawn Point UI: Spawn point selection behavior on the test server appeared different/bugged (clicking map dots seemed absent), impacting strategies around objective sites.
Long-Term Progression: Long-term progression rewards include the new Clearance-Level badges ( CL 20 , 30, 50) as well as badges for Siege Cup and Dual Front participation/victories.
Reputation System & The New Pick & Ban System (Round-by-Round Bans)
Beyond just player behavior, there’s arguably the most impactful gameplay change coming to Siege X: the new ban system, and it’s generating significant excitement for Ranked play. This system is officially called Pick & Ban.
Round-by-Round Bans: Players will now ban one operator per round (an attacker on one side and a defender on the other) from the opposing team’s side. Teams simultaneously select one opposing enemy operator to ban from the next round, directly affecting the ranked map pool strategy.
Dynamic Strategy: This isn’t just a pre-game formality anymore! It allows for on-the-fly banning based on how the enemy team is playing, adding significant strategic depth. Teams can adapt mid-match to counter opponents or target specific defensive setups (like repeatedly banning an opponent’s best player or key wall denial defenders on consecutive attack rounds near objective sites).
Overtime Persistence: These dynamic bans aren’t forgotten when sides switch – they persist into overtime! If overtime is reached on defense, any operators banned by the attacking team during their initial rounds remain banned.
Potential for Fun: This system is expected to be super cool and super fun, mixing up Ranked gameplay significantly and potentially justifying the limited core operator balancing changes elsewhere at launch. This adds deep strategic gameplay elements.
This combined system aims to influence both individual player conduct and overall match dynamics, pushing for a cleaner, more strategic, and less frustrating experience in Siege X for Team Rainbow.
Ranked System: The Elephant in the Room for Siege X
This is a major point of discussion for many players.
Rank 2.0 Remains: The biggest potential disappointment for some players: the Rank 2.0 system itself is not changing in Siege X. Existing complaints about matchmaking and the ranking system persist, affecting how players climb the ranked map pool.
Ongoing Matchmaking Tweaks: Ubisoft revealed they have been making weekly matchmaking changes during Operation Preparation Phase specifically to fine-tune the system for Siege X launch (June 10th). They have implemented features like Team Rebalancing, Phantom Player, and Dynamic Matchmaking, all aiming for faster and hopefully fairer matchmaking by balancing wait time vs. match quality based on server load. Developers track data points like the percentage of matches that go 4-0 and the percentage that reach overtime. The aim is to return matchmaking quality to Year 9 Season 4 levels, but with the added benefit of being faster due to Dynamic Matchmaking. Higher skilled players have expressed a willingness to wait longer for higher quality matches; developers request players not to cancel queues too early if they notice longer wait times, as the system is actively trying to find a high-quality match based on server load (unlike previous systems where skill tolerance would relax over time).
Hidden Skill Rating Confirmed: Visual evidence from upcoming developer videos confirms that the actual skill rating remains hidden. While developers plan a dedicated video to explain the Ranked system, some still feel the skill rating should be more visible in-game to reduce confusion.
No Return to Rank 1.0: For those hoping for a return to the old system, this is confirmed not happening. Developers are continuing to work on and tweak the current system, which some feel is essentially “Rank 2.5,” though they aren’t expected to give it a new numbered designation soon.
Ranked Requires Premium: As noted earlier, Ranked mode remains inaccessible for Free Access players. You must own the premium version of Siege X to queue for Ranked, in addition to meeting the standard level requirement (traditionally CL 50 ). The small change is that returning players now need only 1 win (down from 5) to re-unlock Ranked access after meeting the level requirement and owning the game.
Training Updates
Significant updates are coming to training modes, offering new ways to learn and practice gameplay elements:
- New Training Playlists: Two new practice playlists are introduced: Enlisted and Field Training. Enlisted lets players fight AI bots solo on full maps. Field Training is similar but geared toward returning players and offers a more customizable practice arena with bots mimicking real player behavior. These modes offer a “customizable practice arena” with bots mimicking real behavior and help players learn map control and operator unique abilities.
- Target Drill Evolution: Targets will now be moving, with a Keres Legion theme coming in Season 4. They navigate key rooms for map layout learning, with togglable guidance. These will appear in the Shooting Range.
- AI Allies: AI allies will be added to both Enlisted and Field Training for a realistic squad experience. Clash will also be added to the AI playlist, allowing players to practice against this specific enemy operator.
- Mini Map (Training Only): A mini map will be added to training playlists to help players navigate faster and gain map knowledge, supporting the learning of gameplay elements and map control around objective sites.
Esports Tab & Siege Cup in Operation Daybreak
Esports is getting a dedicated home and more competitive opportunities for Team Rainbow:
- New Esports Tab: A new in-game tab accessible from the main menu will be the home for esports, featuring full schedules (with filters), info pages, and global standings to track team performance and rankings towards SI qualification. Dedicated pages for Tier 1 competitions, leagues, regions, and the Six Invitational are planned, making esports easier to follow.
- Siege Cup: Siege Cup will be available every weekend starting in Third Season (clarification from previous mentions), entering a PC-only Siege Cup beta with pre-match stats inspection. Season 3 will bring new improvements and plans, offering more competitive points and opportunities, with exclusive badges for participation/victories. Players will be able to scout opponent team stats (ops played, KOST) before a match starting in Season 3. This continues into Season 4.
Dual Front (New Permanent 6v6 Mode) in Siege X
Dual Front Mode: A brand-new permanent 6v6 game mode where attackers and defenders combine attackers and defenders on the same side. This cooperative mode is available under Free Access and launches on the District map, offering unique gameplay elements and strategies for controlling objective sites.
Seasonal Updates: Dual Front will receive updates each season, including new neutral sector assignments, lore-driven objectives that can swing the outcome, and tailored balancing updates. Season 3 brings a new neutral sector assignment related to the Season 3 operator and lore updates. Season 4 brings another new assignment.
Progression: Includes long-term progression badges for participation.
Year 10 Roadmap (Beyond Siege X)
The reveal outlined plans for the entire Year 10, including glimpses into future seasons, promising exciting new major features and gameplay elements:
Season 3 (late 2025): Features a brand new Defender from Switzerland with a new gadget, hinted as having narrative ties to the Swiss operator cluster. This new operator adds a fresh dynamic. This season adds three new modernized maps (Nighthaven, Lair, and Consulate entering the Ranked map pool), operator loadout diversification (reissuing a newer secondary weapon or primary to multiple ops), plans to explore magnified scopes on defense, Dual Front updates (new assignments, lore, balancing), two seasonal operator rotations with monthly challenges/cosmetics, ongoing balancing, and Siege Cup begins weekly (PC beta). Esports Tab evolution continues. A returning Halloween event on a new map is also planned.
Season 4 (Year 10 Anniversary): Includes a Pathfinder attacker Operator Remaster (refreshing/enhancing their role and unique abilities), new firepower (weapon redistribution, including a new weapon launching on multiple operators via battle pass first), two more modernized maps (Theme Park and Skyscraper) and a full rework of a third map are slated. Target Drill updates feature moving targets with the Keres Legion theme in the Shooting Range. Ongoing balancing continues (including EMP/jamming systems, hard breacher balancing), ranked matchmaking improvements, a new Dual Front mission, and Siege Cup continues every weekend. Esports Tab updates continue. The 10th Anniversary event will be a special in-game event highlighting moments celebrating Six Siege and the community for Team Rainbow. Finally, a new Testing Grounds playlist will let players try experimental features throughout the year. Ubisoft revealed these plans to set up the next 10 years.
Historical Operations Referenced
| Operation Black Ice | Year 1 Season 1, Feb 2016 | Introduced Frost and Buck, and the Yacht map. Legendary skin remains accessible in Bravo Packs. |
| Operation Dust Line | Year 1 Season 2, May 2016 | Introduced two US Navy SEAL Operators (Blackbeard and Valkyrie) and the Border map. |
| Operation Skull Rain | Year 1 Season 3, Aug 2016 | Introduced two Brazilian BOPE operators (Capitão and Caveira) and the Favela map. |
| Operation Red Crow | Year 1 Season 4, Nov 2016 | Introduced two Japanese SAT operators (Hibana and Echo) and the Skyscraper map. |
| Operation Blood Orchid | Year 2 Season 3, Sept 2017 | Introduced Lesion, Ying, and Ela, and the Theme Park map. Known for significant meta shifts affecting map control and operator unique abilities. |
| Operation Chimera | Year 3 Season 1, Mar 2018 | Introduced Finka and Lion, focusing on cooperative PvE gameplay elements in the limited-time Outbreak event. |
| Operation Para Bellum | Year 3 Season 2, June 2018 | Introduced Alibi and Maestro and the Villa map, significantly impacting defense strategies on objective sites. |
| Operation Grim Sky | Year 3 Season 3, Sept 2018 | Introduced Maverick and Clash, and a rework of Hereford Base. Clash’s original introduction, introducing her unique shield gameplay elements. |
| Operation Wind Bastion | Year 3 Season 4, Dec 2018 | Introduced Nomad and Kaid, and the Fortress map, adding new utility for map control. |
| Operation Burnt Horizon | Year 4 Season 1, Mar 2019 | Introduced Mozzie and Gridlock, and the Outback map. |
| Operation Phantom Sight | Year 4 Season 2, June 2019 | Introduced Nøkk and Warden, adding new stealth and counter-intel gameplay elements. Nøkk’s presence highlighted with Bravo Pack preview headgear in Siege X. |
| Operation Ember Rise | Year 4 Season 3, Sept 2019 | Introduced Amaru and Goyo, and a rework of Kanal. |
| Operation Shifting Tides | Year 4 Season 4, Dec 2019 | Brought Kali and Wamai (Peruvian and Kenyan gadgets) and a rework of Theme Park. |
| Operation Shadow Legacy | Year 5 Season 3, Sept 2020 | Introduced Splinter Cell’s Sam Fisher (Zero) and added map bans, shared secondary gadgets, and a rework of Chalet, changing gameplay elements. |
| Operation Vector Glare | Year 7 Season 2, June 2022 | Introduced Sens and the Close Quarter map (Training map), adding new utility for area denial and map control. |
| Operation Twin Shells | N/A | (This term does not appear in official Ubisoft sources regarding Rainbow Six Siege operations. It might be a typo or refer to something outside R6 Siege). |
| Operation Collision Point | N/A | (This term does not appear in official Ubisoft sources regarding Rainbow Six Siege operations. It might be a typo or refer to something outside R6 Siege). |
| Operation Solar Raid | Year 7 Season 4, Dec 2022 | Added defender Solís and her electro-sensor (Spec IO Electro Sensor), along with cross-play/progression, Reputation score, new map Nighthaven Labs, Ranked 2.0, etc. Introduced key counter-intel gameplay elements. |
| Operator Skopós | Year 9 Season 3, Sept 2024 | Introduced the Greek attacker Skopós and his gadget. An existing operator part of the game’s history. |
Potential Gameplay Observations
Based on test server exploration, players have attempted various tactics, including trying different methods for door destruction (shotguns, smokes, utility), experimenting with cheeky ideas like placing a Valkyrie camera onto a Clash shield, and navigating maps while observing operator unique abilities and enemy operator positions near objective sites. Test server observations also revealed a range of player interactions, from toxic chat to surprisingly positive displays of teamwork and compliments, and even moments of players rage quitting, all highlighting various gameplay elements and the human factor within Team Rainbow.
Overall Impression: Worth the Hype?
While it might feel a little underwhelming to only get five modernized maps and limited core balancing changes immediately in Siege X (Second Season) compared to the sheer volume revealed for the entire year, the combination of the genuinely strategic new Pick & Ban system, the fun Clash rework, the powerful ShieldGuard anti-cheat expansion (including cheater match cancellation), the crisp new audio, performance improvements, the impactful destructible elements near objective sites, the comprehensive training updates, the promise of a more effective anti-cheat system, and the clear roadmap for future updates seems incredibly promising. Ubisoft announced this as a major turning point. Especially with the crucial clarity that Ranked is locked behind the premium version and that this update brings significant changes and major features for Team Rainbow players, Siege X feels like it creates a strong “new foundation,” signaling a commitment to a fresh experience and making it potentially worth the hype! Get ready to dive in around June 10th, 2025!
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When does Siege X (Operation Daybreak) officially release?
Mark your calendars, operators! Siege X, officially known as Operation Daybreak and representing the Second Season of Year 10 for Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege, has a confirmed full release date set for June 10th, 2025. This is the target launch day when all the major changes discussed in this guide – the new systems, operator reworks, audio updates, and more – are intended to go live for the general player base across all platforms. It’s the date Team Rainbow can expect to jump into the new era of the game.
Is Rainbow Six Siege becoming free-to-play with Siege X? What modes are free?
Yes, this major update is introducing a significant shift with a new Free Access model for Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege. This means that new players will be able to download and install the game without an upfront purchase. The Free Access version will grant players entry into several core modes, including Quick Match, Deathmatch, Unranked (which is replacing the old Standard Playlist), and limited-time seasonal events. This initiative is part of Ubisoft’s announced focus on easing newcomers into the game and expanding the community, offering a substantial taste of the action.
Will I need to purchase the game to play Ranked mode in Siege X? What are the requirements?
This is a very important clarification, especially with the new Free Access model. Yes, Ubisoft announced that competitive modes, specifically Ranked and the upcoming Siege Cup beta tournament mode, will remain locked behind the premium (paid) version of Siege X. Free Access players cannot play Ranked or Siege Cup unless they purchase the full game. Beyond the purchase requirement, players still need to meet the standard minimum clearance level to queue for Ranked, which has traditionally been CL 50 . For returning players who previously met this level requirement before Siege X, there’s a slight convenience change: they will only need to win 1 match (down from the previous requirement of 5 wins) after acquiring the premium version to regain access to Ranked queues.
How does the new player progression system work, and what rewards can I earn?
The progression system is being significantly revamped as part of the “Welcome Mat” focus for new players, but it also brings benefits for veterans. The new leveling system provides distinct rewards as players increase their clearance level. Every few levels up to level 50, players are guaranteed specific unlocks, including Renown, Alpha Packs, and key Operators. The guide highlights specific Operators earnable through leveling: Iana becomes available around level 8, Kaid around level 14, Finka at level 16, and Thorn at level 18. Additionally, a shiny Alpha Pack is awarded every 10 levels up to 50. Renown and Alpha Packs continue to be earned through progression even after level 50. As a long-term progression incentive, Siege X also adds cosmetic Clearance-Level badges earned at CL 20 (“Unranked Winner”), CL 30 (“Alpha Collector”), and CL 50 (“Ranked Winner”) to visually mark these milestones.
Are veteran players left out of the new progression rewards? What do veterans get?
Veteran players who are already above level 50 will not receive the new specific leveling rewards (like the early operator unlocks) retroactively for levels they’ve already passed. However, the new reward track applies equally to all players from level 50 onwards. So, veterans will continue earning Renown and Alpha Packs through the new system just like anyone else climbing past that point. Importantly, veteran players are also promised separate, special veteran rewards specifically designed to celebrate their time and dedication to Six Siege, although the exact nature of these rewards is not fully detailed in this guide. Furthermore, the XP curve restructuring to make progression faster at higher tiers is a direct benefit to veterans who are still working towards higher clearance levels.
What are the biggest changes to playlists in Siege X?
Several playlists are undergoing significant changes in Siege X. As mentioned, the Free Access model makes Quick Match, Deathmatch, Unranked, and events available to new players. The “Arcade” playlist is being permanently retired; the space it occupied will now be used for improved and more creative temporary seasonal arcade modes. The “Standard” playlist is being completely replaced by “Unranked,” which will become accessible earlier in a player’s progression, specifically at clearance level 20 (a change from it potentially being available immediately before). The guide also highlights the introduction of two new dedicated training playlists: “Enlisted” (designed for solo play against AI bots on full maps) and “Field Training” (similar, but geared towards returning players with customizable settings and bots mimicking real player behavior). These changes aim to streamline modes and improve the onboarding and practice experience.
Tell me about the major audio overhaul in Siege X. How will the game sound different?
The audio system is undergoing a dramatic and impactful overhaul in Siege X. It’s described as fundamentally changing the soundscape, becoming much bassier and more intense. The goal is to create a darker, more muffled atmosphere while paradoxically aiming for greater precision and immersion, leading to clearer sound cues when it works correctly. The new system intends to make sounds like shots and footsteps travel through surfaces (floors, walls) in a more realistic, muffled manner, which theoretically should allow for more precise directional hearing – a key aspect of Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege tactics. While test server players noted moments of the audio sounding “very, very crisp,” they also reported it could feel “completely absurd and ridiculous” at times, indicating inconsistencies that developers will need to address. A brand new feature adding personality and context to Team Rainbow members is Operator Banter, bringing natural dialogue between operators during matches at the start of rounds, during tense moments, or in short exchanges.
How is the anti-cheat system improving with ShieldGuard in Siege X?
Anti-cheat is a massive focus for Siege X, described as ushering in a “new era” of security. ShieldGuard, initially introduced in Y10S1, is expanding into a fully dynamic system for this Second Season. The most significant aspect is its capability to push live security updates and new game executables mid-season without requiring downtime or a full game patch. This means players will periodically be prompted to download a small security update and reboot their game (never during a match) to get the latest protections. Each update is designed to immediately “strengthen security and break active cheats,” forcing cheat developers into a constant, losing battle of adaptation. The system also introduces new “gameplay violations” detection, enabling the anti-cheat to potentially detect tampering and issue bans in real-time. Developers are optimistic this dynamic, live-updating approach, along with future efforts like exploring AI detection and cheater match cancellation, will be significantly more effective at reducing the availability and lifespan of cheats compared to previous systems.
What’s the new ban system in Ranked? How does it work round-by-round?
The traditional pre-match operator ban phase in Ranked is being completely overhauled and replaced with a new system officially called Pick & Ban. Instead of both teams banning several operators before the match even starts, teams will now ban one operator per round. Specifically, before each round begins, the attacking team will ban one defender operator from the opposing team’s roster, and the defending team will ban one attacker operator. Teams will simultaneously select their bans. This introduces a highly dynamic strategic layer, allowing teams to adapt their bans based on how the enemy team is playing, who is performing well, or which operators are proving problematic on specific objective sites or points of map control throughout the match. For example, a team might repeatedly ban an opponent’s best player or target specific wall denial operators on consecutive attack rounds. These bans are persistent and carry over into overtime rounds if the match extends that far. This is expected to make Ranked matches feel much more fluid and strategically engaging.
What’s Dual Front mode, the new permanent 6v6 mode?
Dual Front is a brand-new, permanent 6v6 game mode being introduced with the Siege X major update. It offers a unique twist on the standard R6 Siege formula by having both attackers and defenders combine attackers and defenders on the same team. The mode will launch on the District map and will be accessible to players under the new Free Access model. Ubisoft announced that Dual Front is planned to receive seasonal updates, including new neutral sector assignments (key areas players contest), lore-driven objectives that can influence the match outcome, and tailored balancing updates, promising a fresh and evolving cooperative experience distinct from the core Bomb or Secure Area modes.
What specific maps are being modernized in Siege X at launch, and what’s the plan for future seasons?
With the Siege X launch, exactly five maps that are part of the current Ranked map pool will receive visual modernizations. These updates include significant changes to lighting, materials, and overall detail to bring them more in line with a contemporary feel and potentially improve tactical readability, aiming to recapture that classic Six Siege atmosphere. While the specific list of these five maps isn’t detailed in this guide, the limited number is noted as a minor drawback, making the initial rollout feel somewhat thin compared to the scope of the Year 10 plans. However, Ubisoft states this is just the beginning; the plan is to continue this process by modernizing three additional maps each season thereafter, with the ambitious goal of completing the graphical overhaul for the entire competitive map pool within approximately 2 years. A new Discovery playlist will also be available at launch specifically to allow players to explore these graphically improved maps.
What are the new “destructible ingredients” being added to maps?
Siege X introduces a fascinating new layer of environmental destruction in the form of “destructible ingredients” being added to maps, often located strategically around objective sites. These include elements like fire extinguishers, gas pipes, and metal detectors. When damaged, these pipes go through a distinct three-phase sequence: first, they emit a flame that damages players (the color changes based on remaining time, and shooting them more can accelerate this); second, they explode with enough force to potentially kill a nearby player; and finally, they leave behind a lingering fire effect similar to Capitão’s bolts, blocking the area. Shooting these elements can create smoke or visual obstruction, adding dynamic, often unexpected, tactical possibilities to gunfights and influencing map control. A particularly neat synergy highlighted is with Kapkan, whose entry denial traps can detonate a gas pipe if an enemy operator triggers the trap near it, leading to an instant, fiery kill.
What’s changing with Clash’s rework? How does her new shield work?
Clash, an operator originally introduced in Operation Grim Sky, is receiving a significant “major remaster” in Siege X, aiming to finally make her viable and fun. Her gadget, the CCE Shield MK2, has been completely overhauled. The most notable new capability is her ability to anchor the shield on the ground, turning it into a stationary barrier while allowing her to move freely and remotely taser enemies. While she is holding the shield, she now has full vision and standard movement speed (she is a one-speed operator). This comes at the cost of her traditional deployable shield slot. The stun from her taser no longer deals electrical damage but focuses purely on slowing and creating noise (via the affected character yelling out). She also gains the Freeloop feature for improved situational awareness. While the rework makes her feel more dynamic and less like a “walking pillar of uselessness,” her enhanced mobility and slowing capability could make her a very annoying enemy operator to counter if played effectively. When anchored, the shield behaves more like a standard deployable shield, vulnerable to explosives and melee bashes, and Sledge can even use his hammer against it.
How are other operators being balanced or changed in Siege X?
Several other operators are receiving targeted balancing changes alongside the Clash rework. Jackal’s tracking with his Eyenox Model III (Glance Smart Glasses or smart glasses) is being rebalanced: he now gets 5 scans (up from 3), but each scan only provides a single ping, and the footprints disappear immediately after scanning. Older footprints will also last shorter overall (90 seconds instead of 120). This change is seen by some as a potentially harsh nerf, making his tracking less oppressive but perhaps feeling less impactful compared to intel gatherers like Damos. Thunderbird’s Kona Stations will no longer heal enemy operator players (unless Brava successfully hacks them with her drone), effectively a buff to prevent opponents from exploiting her gadget for healing. Ela and Zofia are receiving nerfs to their concussion mines (Grzmot Mines and Concussion Mines, respectively), with the impact radius significantly reduced from 7 meters down to 4 meters, making them harder to hide and less effective at impacting large areas or multiple targets simultaneously. Jager is receiving a minor buff as his Active Defense System (ADS) will now catch Gridlock Trax Stingers and Capitão bolts, though some prefer the complexity of how Wamai’s magnets interact with Capitao’s utility. Finally, Sledge gains a small counter-play option by being able to use his hammer to knock down shield operators (like Clash) if they challenge him directly. There’s also a general adjustment to limb shot damage across all weapons, varying by caliber, rewarding players with higher mechanical skill who aim for the body or head.
What’s the deal with electrical damage changes?
A major system-wide change in Siege X is the complete removal of electrical damage to players from gadgets like Bandit’s CED-1, Kaid’s Rtila Electroclaws, or electrified barbed wire. Instead of taking health damage, players who move through or place gadgets on electrified surfaces will now simply experience a slow effect and their character will yell out, generating noise. Surprisingly, players can reportedly rub against electrified walls without suffering any ill effects. However, the impact of electricity on gadgets is being expanded. It will now affect and destroy any electronic gadget (whether placed by a friendly or enemy operator), which some players find frustrating as it requires Kaid and Bandit players to be more vigilant about protecting their power sources from friendly electronic utility. Notably, Mirror’s Black Mirror gadgets are an exception and will not be destroyed when placed on electrified walls. Barbed wire will still deal damage, but this damage now comes purely from the physical act of moving through the wire, not the electricity applied to it.
What training updates are coming in Siege X?
Training modes are receiving significant and comprehensive updates in Siege X, offering players new and improved ways to learn maps, practice mechanics, and hone their operator unique abilities. Two distinct new practice playlists are being introduced: Enlisted, designed for newer players, where they can fight AI bots solo on full maps; and Field Training, geared towards returning or experienced players, offering a more customizable practice arena with AI bots that mimic real player behavior and movement. Both modes aim to provide a realistic practice environment. The Target Drill in the Shooting Range is also evolving, with targets becoming mobile and navigating key rooms for better map layout learning (with a Keres Legion theme coming in Season 4). To enhance the realistic squad experience, AI allies will be added to both Enlisted and Field Training, and an AI version of the reworked Clash will be included, allowing players to practice countering this specific enemy operator. Finally, a Mini Map will be added to training playlists only, specifically to help players navigate faster and gain map knowledge more efficiently, aiding their understanding of map control and objective sites.
How is the in-game Esports tab evolving, and what is Siege Cup?
Esports is getting a major upgrade within the game client itself. A new, dedicated Esports tab will be accessible directly from the main menu, serving as the central hub for all things competitive Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege. This tab is planned to feature full schedules for competitive matches (with filters), detailed info pages on teams and leagues, and global standings to track team performance and rankings towards Six Invitational qualification. Dedicated pages for Tier 1 competitions, regional leagues, and the Six Invitational itself are planned to make it much easier for players to follow the competitive scene for Team Rainbow. Siege Cup is a competitive tournament mode that will be available every weekend starting in Third Season (Season 3), entering a PC-only Siege Cup beta initially. Season 3 will bring further improvements and offer more competitive points and opportunities, with exclusive badges for participation and victories. Players will also gain the ability to scout opponent team stats (like operators played and KOST) before a match starting in Season 3.
What can we expect in the Year 10 Roadmap after Siege X (Operation Daybreak)?
The Year 10 Roadmap outlines a full year of content and major features beyond the Siege X launch. The Third Season (Season 3, expected late 2025) will introduce a brand new Swiss Defender operator with a unique gadget and narrative ties to a Swiss operator cluster. This season will also add three more modernized maps to the Ranked map pool (Nighthaven, Lair, and Consulate), feature operator loadout diversification (reissuing newer weapons like a secondary weapon to multiple ops), explore adding magnified scopes to defense, bring updates to Dual Front, include two seasonal operator rotations with monthly challenges/cosmetics, and see the weekly Siege Cup fully launch (PC beta). Season 4 (the Year 10 Anniversary season, expected December) will feature a Pathfinder attacker Operator Remaster (refreshing their role and unique abilities), more weapon redistribution (including a new weapon launching on multiple operators via battle pass first), two additional modernized maps (Theme Park and Skyscraper) plus a full rework of a third map. Target Drill updates with moving Keres Legion targets will arrive, ongoing balancing continues (including EMP/jamming systems, hard breacher balancing), ranked matchmaking improvements are planned, and a new Dual Front mission will be added. The 10th Anniversary event will be a special in-game celebration. Finally, a new Testing Grounds playlist will run throughout the year to test experimental features. Ubisoft revealed these plans as the foundation for the next 10 years of the game.
Are there any general Quality of Life or UI changes in Siege X?
Yes, several Quality of Life updates and UI improvements are coming in Siege X. The entire user interface has been rebuilt from the ground up, aiming to be faster, cleaner, and visually consistent with the new Siege X look. The hub system is designed to be dynamic and modular, allowing for seasonal customization and displaying relevant information. The loadout menu UI is also visually changed, though there are no actual loadout changes. Core movement mechanics will now carry momentum, and advanced repel improvements will allow sprinting and turning corners, adding a nice fluidity. Visuals for Claymore lasers and Operator Outlines are being updated; friendly lasers will be white with team shading, while enemy operator lasers have prominent team colors (though feedback is mixed, and more team color options are requested). The Battle Pass navigation system is redesigned into a more intuitive map-like progression menu.
How is Ubisoft addressing toxicity and player behavior in Siege X?
Ubisoft is heavily investing in anti-toxicity efforts in Siege X, aiming to foster a better environment for Team Rainbow. The new reputation system is now fully activated, implementing tiered consequences for disruptive or dishonest players (ranging from automatic suspensions to potential manual review and permanent bans for repeated bad behavior) while also rewarding positive conduct. Automated text moderation is being improved, privacy settings refined, abandoned penalties reworked, and the in-game reporting system is getting more detailed with better visibility on the outcomes of reports players submit. To help streamers combat stream sniping, nicknames will be automatically generated for each game. Features like cheater match cancellation are also part of the broader effort to make the game a more fair and enjoyable experience.
